Thought I'd post a few pics of my panel-buddies at the first-ever Old Town Book Fair this past Saturday. That's Amy Kathleen Ryan next to me, and Brenna Yovanoff with the supercute socks, and Becca Fitzpatrick on the other end. We're in front of the yurt where the panel was held-- my first yurt panel experience... very cozy, very hot. (As in sweatlodge hot.) It was fun, though. A nice crowd-- all the chairs filled-- everyone sweating profusely yet managing to appear interested in what we had to say. (Thank you SO much to everyone who came-- I'm really glad no one passed out!)

I can't remember these guys' names, but they were a welcome addition-- not at all shy, very cool and insightful! That's Sarah Paige Ryan on the left end, good friend, author, and former writing group member. Amy's on the right-- she's getting ready for her next book Spark to be released next week-- the sequel to Glow. I was ecstatic that she gave me a review copy to read on Saturday... I devoured it. I carried the book around with me everywhere Sunday, read more snatches of it whenever I could steal moments. If you thought Glow was a page-turner (it was, it was!) you have to read Spark-- it's even more heart-poundingly suspenseful. The tension is incredible... and it just builds and builds and builds and you simply can't stop reading. Now I have to wait another year to read the third book in the series... argh!

Here I am with Brenna Yovanoff-- the first time we met in person! She's extraordinary and fascinating in so many ways... After the panel, we hung out together (along with some other writers) at my favorite cafe-- the Little Bird Bakeshop. (Note, but don't linger on, the sweat stains on my dress in the aftermath of the steambath.)

One example of how extraordinary Brenna is: her necklace of pliers, wrenches, and an assortment of other tools... See how it evokes the deliciously creepy cover of her book The Replacement? Love it! Then we got to see the cover of her upcoming book, Paper Valentine, which is just as gorgeous and atmospheric as her other covers.

Here I am with Becca, who also has a new book coming out soon... the last (I think) in her awesome Hush, Hush series... it's called Finale, and it looks fantastic. This was my second panel with Becca-- she's such a great storyteller, both in her books and in real life. Plus she's warm and fun and has beautiful curly locks.

I'm hoping they do the Book Fair again next year! Lil Dude had a blast with his grandparents and Ian at the crafts area, making a fishing rod with yarn and a stick. (He enjoys any activity involving sticks.)

Thanks for swinging by! Oh, and if you're in the Ft Collins area, don't forget about The Queen of Water discussion with me *and my coauthor, Maria Virginia Farinango* coming up on Thurs, July 19 at 7 pm at Matter Bookstore/The Bean Cycle. Hope to see you there...